City of Troy Mayor Lou Rosamilia delivers his "State of the City" address Thursday night at Troy City Hall in Hedley Park Place. (J.S.Carras/The Record)

TROY -- Mayor Lou Rosamilia delivered his State of the City address Thursday, looking back at the various accomplishments his administration achieved in 2012 and forward to what could be accomplished this year.

Rosamilia touched on various topics such as public safety, which has been a priority issue for many city residents, and put heavy emphasis on various economic development and community projects set to be worked on in 2013.

Rosamilia's speech, which came just before the council was set to appoint Anthony Magnetto as the newly appointed police commissioner, highlighted a total increase of 16 crimes in 2012 as compared to 2011. However, there were 37 fewer violent crimes in 2012 than in 2011. Still, Rosamilia said they need to look beyond the numbers.

"It's important to look at what the numbers tell us," Rosamilia said, adding residents are still concerned about their own safety. "But as mayor, I recognize that it's far more important to listen to what our residents tell us and to address the concerns they feel within their own neighborhoods."

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Rosamilia also highlighted his reinstatement of school resource officers to full-time status, reactivation of the Emergency Response Team and establishment of a Police Objective Review Committee, with members present during the speech.

Another accomplishment highlighted by Rosamilia was the moving of City Hall from 1776 Sixth Ave. to the Hedley Building on River Street, a building he said he's proud to be in as it is a historical landmark.

While he said the city has saved approximately $3,000 in utility bills and $22,000 in monthly rent, Rosamilia was not quite ready to call the Hedley Building home during his speech, adding the search continues for a permanent home in 2013.

"Like every resident, I believe we should have a city-owned City Hall," Rosamilia said. "I firmly believe that it would be wonderful to have a great building with historic architecture."

Also highlighted were the various 40 new businesses brought into the city, such as Broadway Café, the Stoneledge Terrace developments and redevelopment for the River Triangle and Dauchy Buildings, a project being undertaken by Saratoga Springs based developer Sonny Bonacio. The sale of those buildings will bring in $1.2 million in revenue, Rosamilia said, helping the city meet the target budgeted for 2012. He also said the $400,000 from the sale of the O'Neil apartments was unexpected but much needed.

Rosamilia added the city will be expecting at least $60 million to be spent in construction.

"Generating revenue is the most important ingredient for our immediate and long-term financial health," Rosamilia said, "and we've taken proactive steps toward that goal."

Much focus was put on the many new ways the city is looking at revitalizing the area such as putting $2.5 million in infrastructure in North Central through a five-year consolidated plan. This would include new streets, sidewalks and new lighting. Rosamilia said there are also talks with Habitat for Humanity and Syracuse-based Housing Visions to form a public/private partnership with a possible $5 million investment. This would bring new homes, green spaces and new commercial prospects.

There were other announcements such as soliciting for a company to help with developing a Citywide Master Plan, the creation of a Historic District & Landmark Review Commission and Columbia Development doing renovations on the tenant section of Proctor's Theater.

Councilman Mark McGrath, R-District 2, said overall it was a very positive speech, but said there was one thing glossed over regarding the River Triangle and Dauchy Buildings; they were one-shot deals.

"You're going into next year already $2 million behind," McGrath said. "You're already in the hole because you don't have that money next year."

Council President Lynn Kopka said it was "a very good speech," and was happy to hear a plug for historic preservation as a component of economic development thanks to the tax incentives it provides to developers.

"He hit the important points," Kopka said. "Increasing the tax base, economic development, finances and public safety which is paramount."

Rosamilia said he looks forward to the projects set to be completed in 2013 as well as being the force behind the progression.

"I firmly believe, to be a leader, a person has to be a servant," Rosamilia said. "I'm proud to be your mayor and honored to serve your interests every day."